Help me justify a Domino

[Howad]

You can reliably test assemble anything you're making with floating tenons - this is something you simply can't do with biscuits. I think this makes the Domino a superior creative tool for one off and small production jobs.

I don't think this is emphasized enough.  dry fitting large cases without clamps and no danger of them falling apart is key for me.

Also, and I doubt this would be used very often, but let's say you have a case test fitted and clamped together.  you could plung a deep mortise through the side and top (or bottom) in one shot , then just pound in a domino and flush-cut off the remainder. no need to un-clamp the pieces and domino each one.

 

[Roseland]

Many thanks to all who have taken the time and trouble to respond.  I've taken on board all your comments, and watched all the videos mentioned.

I guess the simple answer is that I need both a Domino and a bandsaw!  In favour of the Domino first is that they're on offer (and thanks to the link to N&B; an excellent store I've visited and bought from).  Also it will take up less space; I really need to get rid of the table saw to make room for the bandsaw.

Does anyone have a feel if the DF 500 is going to get upgraded any time soon to resemble a smaller version of its big brother?  I don't do doors or anything else that would require the -700 and I want the ability to joint thin timber.

Thanks again,

Andrew

 

[sancho57]

I had a PC biscuit Jointer. I hadnt used it in so long I forgot i had it. I gave it to a buddy of mine when I moved over here.

I like the domino and use it frequently. Especially for alignment  during glue ups and joining wood where strength is needed and I want it to be hidden so no screws are used.

 

[shed9]

Can't see either of the Domino's being replaced anytime soon - they both excel at what they do. Festool seem to operate a process of only replacing when there is a clear advantage in doing so.

I wouldn't discount the 700 at this stage. With the Seneca RTS adaptor and domi-shims it will run all of the 500 cutters and work with 1/2 & 3/4" sheet goods.

http://www.senecawoodworking.com/collections/all

I have both machines and find the 700 the better machine for working at all levels - it is well balanced and in my opinion more ergonomically designed.

The difference between the two package deals of machine and domino systainer is £200 - you get an awful lot more machine for that £200. Granted you would need to factor in the Seneca parts (about £110 landed) to achieve the above, but I suspect you would probably acquire a Seneca plate for the 500 at some point in time anyhow.

Not trying to confuse you or steer you from you original requirement just sharing some advice on all options. Don't get me wrong the 500 is a superb machine, just ask yourself if the 700 would be used before pushing the buy button.

 

[Stone Message]

I’m a keen hobbyist and undertake a very wide range of projects for friends.  I have a reasonably well equipped workshop (TS55, MFT/3, CT26, OF 1400, OF 1010, RS100, ETS 125), plus quite a few non-Festool tools such as a Triton router in a table, a ghastly Ryobi table saw and an Axminster biscuit jointer.

I had planned my next investment to be a bandsaw, to replace the Ryobi, so that I could re-saw hardwoods.  But Axminster have a great deal on the Domino DF-500 until the end of the month and I’m sorely tempted.

What would a Domino do significantly better than a biscuit jointer?

Andrew

Hi Andrew

I really regret not having my Domino much earlier. I had a Lamello Biscuit Jointer for many years but I was always having to amend my designs to suit the strengths and weaknesses of biscuit carpentry. The worst was the total domination of my latest kitchen design which forced me to stray a long way away from my original aim. I sold the Lamello just days after getting the Domino 500 and I have not once wished to use it for anything.

I am sure that the other contributors will have some super illustrations. For me, just look at almost any of my videos and you will see the Domino influence time and again.

The Axminster deal is excellent. Go for it. PM me if you need any other advice or help.

Peter

 

[GarryMartin]

I wouldn't discount the 700 at this stage.

Quick note - the DF700 isn't available in 110V in the UK, so if you are doing site work that mandates 110V use, you would need to go with the DF 500.

 

[shed9]

I wouldn't discount the 700 at this stage.

Quick note - the DF700 isn't available in 110V in the UK, so if you are doing site work that mandates 110V use, you would need to go with the DF 500.

Valid point, I always wondered why this is the case. I actually wanted the 700 in 110 originally and put off buying one waiting for that option going the 240 route when I realised this isn't likely to happen.

That said the OP listed a workshop requirement.

 

[Custard]

Yes, the Dominos are great machines (I've got the 500 and 700), but if you work in solid wood there surely isn't much argument...it's just got to be the bandsaw!

 

[Roseland]

I went to Toolfair in Exeter yesterday, and Axminster were handing out 10% off vouchers to use in their store.  That clinched it - I got the Domino set + systainer of dominos for £584 including VAT (sales tax).  Oh, and a Jet 8" bandsaw as well!

Thanks to all who offered advice.

Andrew

 

[Stone Message]

I went to Toolfair in Exeter yesterday, and Axminster were handing out 10% off vouchers to use in their store.  That clinched it - I got the Domino set + systainer of dominos for £584 including VAT (sales tax).  Oh, and a Jet 8" bandsaw as well!

Thanks to all who offered advice.

Andrew

I wish I had known about the 10% discount  [mad].

Peter

 

[jacko9]

Way to go Andrew now, show us your first project after you get some practice with your Domino Joiner.

Jack

 

[Roseland]

OK, as requested a photo of my first Domino project; a side table.  It was really just a test piece to check I really understood how to use the Domino.

[attachimg=#]

The top is elm, lipped in black walnut.  The legs and rails are also elm.  I was amazed at how quick and accurate the Domino is.

I've just got a Domiplate too and am really impressed at the ease of use and precision it provides, but I've only got test pieces to show off that!

Andrew

 

[jacko9]

OK, as requested a photo of my first Domino project; a side table.  It was really just a test piece to check I really understood how to use the Domino.

[attachimg=#]

The top is elm, lipped in black walnut.  The legs and rails are also elm.  I was amazed at how quick and accurate the Domino is.

I've just got a Domiplate too and am really impressed at the ease of use and precision it provides, but I've only got test pieces to show off that!

Andrew

Very nice Andrew,

It's pretty amazing how fast you can build furniture with the Domino [wink]

Jack

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

[thumbs up]

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Great job!  [smile]
A table will probably be my first domino project as well. I can't wait for mine to get here!  [big grin]

 

[sancho57]

Im a little "slow"

It took me a while to really understand how to use the domino.

Even after different people including Allen K showed me different techniques and i attended a few end user classes.

Buuuuutttttttt

With that being said, Its finally starting to click or I had a AH HAH moment (to quote Steve B).

Im beginning to really enjoy using it.

It makes incredibly strong joints very fast.

When used in combo with other tools/ jigs,

I dont even need to glue and clamp now.

 

[jar45]

I've been giving some serious consideration to getting a Domino with the 10% discount  offered in the US until 6/30/14. So I decided to review comments in the Festool Owner's Group to help with a question.  Would the DF 500 or the DF XL700 make the most sense for me?  I am a hobbyist wood worker, experience trained, doing mostly home projects, chests, cabinets, simple, furniture, etc.  I would like to increase my comfort area with projects.  Reading down through list of comments on the Dominos  going back several years, I saw Seneca Woodworking  mentioned.    It is my understanding, that with the accessories offered by Seneca, all ,or most work can now be accomplished with the XL700 and accessories from Seneca.  Is that a reasonable conclusion?

Thanks
John

 

[Roseland]

I went for the DF500 because i don't make barn doors and the like, just cabinets.

I got the Seneca Domiplate which i'd really recommend.

I'm not sure the DF700 can use a 4mm cutter, which is what you'll need if you use any 1/2" ply.

I've been blown away by the Domino and its versatility.

Andrew

 

[bkharman]

I went for the DF500 because i don't make barn doors and the like, just cabinets.

I got the Seneca Domiplate which i'd really recommend.

I'm not sure the DF700 can use a 4mm cutter, which is what you'll need if you use any 1/2" ply.

I've been blown away by the Domino and its versatility.

Andrew

The adapter works perfectly fine with 4mm bits and dominoes.

 

[shed9]

It is my understanding, that with the accessories offered by Seneca, all ,or most work can now be accomplished with the XL700 and accessories from Seneca.  Is that a reasonable conclusion?

Yes  [smile]